In the quiet Weinland Park neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio, a devastating crime unfolded on the early morning of December 30, 2025, when Dr. Spencer Tepe, a 37-year-old dentist, and his wife Monique Tepe, 39, were fatally shot in their home. What made the tragedy even more chilling was the presence of their two young children—Emilia, 4, and Beckham, 1—who were discovered physically unharmed in a separate room, alongside the family’s beloved Goldendoodle. Neighbors and family accounts have since highlighted the dog’s instinctive actions, with one neighbor describing how the pet appeared to have pushed or guarded the door to the locked room, shielding the children from danger while their parents lay lifeless upstairs.

The discovery began around 10 a.m. that Tuesday when Spencer’s colleagues at Athens Dental Depot grew concerned after he failed to arrive for work and could not be reached. Friends and coworkers requested a welfare check, leading police to the couple’s residence on the 1400 block of North 4th Street. Officers entered to find Spencer and Monique shot multiple times in their upstairs bedroom. The scene was heartbreaking: no signs of forced entry, nothing ransacked, and no immediate indication of robbery. Yet, in a nearby room, the two toddlers were safe, crying but uninjured, with the family dog by their side.

The Goldendoodle—often referred to affectionately in family statements as a cherished member of the household—played a crucial role in those tense hours. Accounts from neighbors who spoke to investigators and media suggest the dog may have instinctively moved to protect the children. One neighbor recounted that when authorities arrived, the children were in a room with the door closed or secured, and the dog was positioned in a way that seemed to guard the entrance, possibly having nudged or pushed the door shut to keep the little ones isolated from the violence. This protective behavior is not uncommon in family pets, especially breeds like Goldendoodles known for their gentle, loyal nature and strong bonds with children.

The family’s Goldendoodle was described in tributes as a gentle, mild-mannered companion who brought joy to the household. Spencer and Monique had raised their children in a home filled with warmth, laughter, and connection, and the dog was an integral part of that loving environment. Relatives noted that the pet remained calm and non-aggressive during the ordeal, never barking excessively or drawing attention in a way that might have escalated the situation—perhaps because the intruder was someone familiar, or due to the use of a suppressed firearm that muffled the shots. The dog’s quiet vigilance allowed the children to remain hidden and safe until help arrived.

Spencer and Monique had built a life rooted in family and community. Spencer, known for his laid-back demeanor and dedication to mentorship through programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters, was a respected professional who prioritized his role as a father. Monique, with her background in early childhood education, was a devoted stay-at-home mom whose infectious laugh and caring heart lit up every room. They married in a private ceremony in 2020, just weeks before the new year tragedy, and were raising Emilia and Beckham in a nurturing environment where the family pet was a constant source of comfort and play.

The children’s survival amid such horror has been attributed in part to the dog’s instinctive guardianship. In the immediate aftermath, police confirmed the youngsters were unharmed, and both they and the dog were placed in the care of immediate relatives. Family members, including Spencer’s sister Madeleine and brother-in-law Rob Misleh, have spoken publicly about the ongoing grief while emphasizing their commitment to protecting and raising the children. They have shared how the little ones’ resilience shines through, with Emilia’s big personality echoing her parents’ warmth.

The investigation quickly focused on Monique’s ex-husband, Dr. Michael David McKee, a 39-year-old vascular surgeon. McKee was arrested on January 10, 2026, in Illinois after surveillance footage linked him to the area around the time of the killings. A grand jury later indicted him on multiple counts of aggravated murder and aggravated burglary, with prosecutors alleging premeditation and the use of a firearm with a suppressor. Authorities believe McKee may have gained access without force, possibly exploiting a moment when the back door was briefly unlocked—perhaps during a routine for letting the dog out—though the exact entry method remains part of the case details.

The dog’s role has added a layer of poignancy to the story. In countless accounts from neighbors and first responders, the pet’s presence ensured the children were not left completely alone in the terrifying hours before discovery. The animal stayed close, providing comfort and security in a home that had suddenly turned tragic. Now, the Goldendoodle continues with the family, a living reminder of the love that once filled the house.

As the legal proceedings advance, the focus remains on justice for Spencer and Monique while safeguarding the future of their children. The image of a loyal family dog standing guard over two innocent toddlers has become a symbol of quiet heroism amid unimaginable loss. In a neighborhood forever changed by the events of that December morning, the dog’s protective instinct stands as a small beacon of hope—that even in the darkest moments, love and loyalty can shield the most vulnerable.

The Tepe family continues to lean on one another, surrounding Emilia and Beckham with the same warmth their parents once provided. The children, now cared for by loving relatives, carry forward the light of their mother and father, with the family dog at their side—a faithful companion who, on that fateful night, helped ensure they made it through unharmed.